Components of an NSTA Convention
Once you have registered for a convention, your badge serves as your ticket of admission to all regularly scheduled sessions, including presentations, workshops, and exhibitor workshops, as well as invited presentations and the Exposition of Science Teaching Materials.
Seating space is limited at popular presentations, especially at national conventions, and you are advised to arrive early at the sessions of your choice. In addition, workshops fill fast, and hands-on participation may be limited to those seated at tables. To get the most out of your attendance, prepare ahead of time using the pre-convention information available in the Advance Program and on our website. Information online is continually updated and will be of great help to you.
Tours, short courses, and certain social functions require tickets, which can be purchased in advance or on site. Purchase tickets early and take advantage of special advance registration rates.
Presentations
Thirty- or sixty-minute sessions during which the presenters share an innovative teaching idea or the results of research, or discuss a topic of general or specific interest. Presentations are set theater style, with chairs only.Workshops
Sixty-minute presentations that actively engage a limited number of participants in a hands-on activity. Workshops are set classroom style, with a limited number of tables for active participants and chairs for other attendees.Exhibitor Workshops
Sponsored by exhibitors, these 60-minute workshops give teachers an opportunity to use a variety of instructional materials in a laboratory-like setting.Invited Speakers
General sessions and featured presentations are a highlight of NSTA conventions. Get the latest on a variety of science and science education issues and research.The Exposition of Science Teaching Materials
One of the biggest attractions at NSTA conventions is the Exposition of Science Teaching Materials. These exhibits give you the opportunity to examine a wide variety of teaching materials, from textbooks to laboratory equipment. Some exhibitors sell products on site.Short Courses
Short courses are longer than regular sessions (three to six hours) and explore topics in greater depth. Courses require a ticket to participate and generally a fee at the time of registration.Tours
Educational tours are a popular feature of NSTA conventions. Tours range from exploring natural attractions of the area to visiting local research facilities. Tours are ticketed events.Meetings and Social Functions
Many business and committee meetings and social functions are scheduled for NSTA and its affiliate and associated groups at our conventions, particularly the national convention. Such meetings may be open or closed to the public; some are by invitation only.Social events are a great way to meet your peers and share your experiences. Some events require tickets and some do not. Events range from large, corporate-sponsored functions to affiliate luncheons, and may be held on or off site.
Special Events for First-Timers
NSTA's national conventions are large-scale events, and participation can be hugely rewarding. It can also be a little overwhelming to the first-timer. NSTA holds a special session – “So This Is Your First NSTA National Convention” – at national conventions to share tips and tricks with first-timers. Check your program for details, or search the sessions online.If you are new to the teaching field, you may want to attend the New/Preservice Teachers Luncheon, which is featured at all NSTA conventions, national and areas. This popular luncheon is sponsored by Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company and is offered at a substantially reduced cost. Experienced discussion leaders will not only advise you how to get the most out of the convention, but also share the latest ideas and techniques for the typical science classroom.
